A man ordered to complete 250 hours of unpaid work as part of a suspended sentence has managed only two-and-a-quarter hours, a court has heard. A judge stated it was clear Martin O'Reilly "does not take court orders seriously" and that he was "taking the Michael" by failing to comply with the conditions of his suspended sentence.
Background of the Case
Megan Williams, prosecuting, told Swansea Crown Court that on March 6 this year, the defendant was sentenced to two years in prison suspended for 18 months for possession of cocaine with intent to supply. He was also ordered to complete a rehabilitation course and 250 hours of unpaid work in the community.
The prosecutor said that on two occasions, the defendant failed to attend work sessions, claiming to have been in hospital, though he could not provide any evidence to support his claims. As a result of his non-attendance, the Probation Service breached him.
Details of Non-Compliance
The court heard O'Reilly has completed a total of two-and-a-quarter hours of unpaid work since the order was made. He has attended eight out of 28 rehabilitation sessions, with eight "acceptable absences."
O'Reilly, aged 24, of Tyle Teg, Clydach, Swansea Valley, had previously pleaded guilty to breaching a suspended sentence when he appeared in the dock for sentencing.
Original Offence
When O'Reilly was sentenced earlier this year, the court heard how on March 29, 2025, police went to an Airbnb property in Morriston looking for a person unconnected to the defendant. Officers entered and searched the property, finding a phone and a small quantity of crack cocaine. While officers were inside, the defendant arrived and opened the door with a key.
He was arrested by the waiting officers, and his phone was seized. On the device, officers saw messages relating to the supply of cocaine over the previous 10 months and to the supply of cannabis over the previous two weeks.
Defence and Judge's Remarks
Caitlin Brazel, for O'Reilly, said the defendant was a young man who "still has maturity to come." She said appearing in the dock facing the activation of the suspended sentence had been "the significant wake up call which perhaps he needs," and added her client now realises the consequences of not complying with the court order. The barrister said if the court gave him a second chance by not activating the sentence, O'Reilly would know that "he would have no margin of error."
Judge Geraint Walters said it was clear that O'Reilly "does not take court orders seriously," and said that by his non-compliance he was "taking the Michael." The judge said he would defer sentence for 12 weeks to give the defendant a chance to demonstrate his commitment to the order. He added: "If he comes back in 12 weeks and fails to comply with the order he better make sure he brings a bag big enough to last him two years. If there is a whiff of non-compliance, he will be going to prison."
